Control and change maker for vending machines



March 9, 1954 NELSEN 2,671,547

CONTRQL AND CHANGE MAKER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 9, 1949 '5 Sheets-Sheet 1 II I 8.2m 74% Wiawwwz 7feev/a March 9, 1954 NELSEN 2,671,547

CONTROL AND CHANGE MAKER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 9, 1949 Sheets-Sheet 2 2&

March 9, 1954 NELSEN 2,671,547

CONTROL AND CHANGE MAKER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 9, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet s March 9, 1954 1 G NELSEN CONTROL AND CHANGE MAKER FOR VENDING MACHINES Filed April 9, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 104 ji hm X12 127 104 =3 103 h 128 I... I W 127 124 5.21 12.9

A 252 waw'vz'v/azg 7Zee1/a flaw-1 2 4 Patented Mar. 9, 1954 CONTROL AND CHANGE MAKER FOR VENDING MACHINES Marvin G. Nelsen, 'Skokie, 111., assignor to Guardian Electric Manufacturing Co., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application April 9, 1949, Serial No. 86,579

4 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a control and change maker for vending apparatus.

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved control for apparatus which vends services or goods.

It is also an object of .the invention to provide an improved change maker for vending ape paratus.

It is an additional object of the invention to prevent completion of a portion of a change making cycle if a switch, operated by a coin of a larger denomination than that represented by a single unit (such as a nickel), remains closed for any reason after it should have opened; and, furthermore, in such a case, to permit vending by the utilization of coins or checks representing a single denomination unit.

It is also an object of the invention to prevent jackpotting of either change, goods, or services.

It is an important object of the invention to prevent jackpotting of a change magazine in a change maker to prevent continued pay-out of change by the utilization of only one coin of a larger denomination than a single unit.

It is also an object of the invention to insure delivery of the goods or services desired, together with the proper change, if any, when the mechanism is operating properly.

It is a further object of the invention to prevent the further delivery of goods, or services, or change, by continued cycling of the vending apparatus, or by the insertion of a coin or check of largerdenomination than one unit, if switch means operated by a coin or check of a larger denomination than one unit remains in an improper position at the end of a vending cycle; also, to return such larger denomination coins or checks, which are thereafter utilized in the mechanism until such switch means returns to its properposition.

It is an additional object of the invention to prevent the delivery of goods, services, or change by continued cycling of the vending apparatus, or by the insertion of a coin of any denomination, it a coin or check of the denomination corresponding to a single unit maintains a corresponding coin switch in an improper position.

It is a further object of the invention to block or return coins of a larger denomination than a single unit if the magazine of the coin changer contains less than a predetermined number of coins or checks; and also to permit a vending operation by a coin of single unit denomination when the magazine contains less than said predetermined numberof coins or checks.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in the construction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of my device whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafter more fully set forth, pointed out in the claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of the change maker unit including blocking relays and combination vending control and change making relays;

Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a partial sectional view of the pa out solenoid coin magazine and associated appa us;

Figure 4 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus taken on line i-d of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a partial sectional view of the apparatus taken on the line 55 of Figure -1;

Figure 6 is a view of the motor-operated cams and one of the switches operated thereby;

Figure 7 is a partial sectional view of the coin magazine taken on the line 1-l of Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a partial sectional view of the coin operated switches taken on the line 88 of Figure 4;

Figure 9 is a wiring diagram showing the parts of the vending and change making mechanism diagrammatically;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the coin or check chutes with the blocking relays and return chute also shown diagrammatically;

Figure 11 is a diagrammatic View of one of the motor operated. cams and the switch associated therewith, with the parts in a position they assume at one part of the cycle;

Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 at an! other part of the cycle;

Figur 13 is a View similar to Figures 11 and 1'2, at another part of the cycle; and

Figure 14 is a detailed view of the latching relay for rendering the apparatus completely inoperative under certain conditions.

Referring specifically to the drawings for a detailed description of the invention and particularly to Figure 1, numeral l0 designates an open front box, preferably of metal, upon which certain component elements of the present invention are mounted. The box It! is preferably mounted mounted on the top wall l2 for continuous draining of the change in the mechanism when desired. The invention is described as applying to nickels, dimes and quarters and to the vending of a nickel article, although it is obvious that other coins or checks may be utilized and articles of difierent prices may be vended. The nickels are, therefore, referred to as coins of unit denomination, while the other coins are sometimes referred to as coins of multiple unit denomination. Nickels are the coins given in change in the device as described.

Referring to Figures 1 and 9, a 10 or dime relay I5 and a 25 or quarter relay I6 are mounted on the base 9. A nickel block relay and a dime and quarter block relay, generally indicated by the numerals I1 and I8, respectively, are mounted on base 9. A motor I9 is mounted on a bracket 20 which is in turn also mounted on base 9. A change pay-out solenoid 2| and a change magazine 24 are secured to the bottom Wall II of box I0. A pair of cam operated switches 22 and 23 are mounted on base 9.

As shown in Figure 9, other components which are part of the vending machine control, as distinguished from the change maker, comprise a vend relay 25, a vend motor 26, an anti-jackpotting relay 21, a 5 only lamp 28, an empty lamp 29, a limit switch 3I and an empty switch 32.

A standard coin chute and slug ejector, shown diagrammatically at 39 in Figures 5 and 10, is removably secured to the box I by any suitable means (not shown). Nickel, dime and quarter operated switches indicated at 33, 35 and 31, respectively, are disposed at the proper outlet from the coin chutes, as shown in Figure 4 and diagrammatically shown in Figure 9. The nickel, dime and quarter chutes are shown at 34, 36 and 38, respectively. A single inlet for coins of all three denominations is shown at M, and the coins are directed into the proper chute by selector mechanism (not shown), if the coin is acceptable. A return coin chute is shown at 42 and coins which are not acceptable for any reason are directed to the return chute by mechanism hereinafter described. The selector mechanism and .coin chutes are so positioned that the nickel blocking relay and the dime and quarter blocking relay will be effective to prevent operation of the coin switches 33, 35 and 31, or some of them, under certain conditions, as will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Referring to Figures 1 and 9, the drain switch I4 is operated by a manually movable switch operating member 43, which extends above the top of wall I2 of the box I0. The switch I4 comprises a pair of movable switch arms 44 and two pairs of fixed contacts 46 and 41, The diagram, Figure 9, shows all parts and switches in the position wherein a cycle of operation may be initiated by the insertion of a nickel, dime or quarter.

Referring again in Figures 1 and 9, the dime relay I includes a coil 48 which is adapted to attract an armature 49 when energized. Normally, the armatur is maintained in the unattracted position, as shown in Figure l, by a spring 5|. The armature 49 is adapted to operate a plurality of switch arms which are assembled in a switch generally indicated at 52.

The dime relay I5 operates movable contact arms 53, 54, 55. Associated with the switch 52 are relatively fixed contact arms 56, 51, 58, 59. Throughout the description of the contact arms of the switches, it is to be understood that the arms are formed of flexible metal and bend or return to their initial position shown in Figure 9 due to the inherent resiliency thereof when not biased to another position by some mechanical movement. A contact 6| is provided on contact arm 56 and is adapted to engage with a contact 62 on switch arm 53. A contact 63 is provided on contact arm 51 and is adapted to engage with a contact 64 on movabl contact arm 54 A contact 65 is provided on contact arm 58 and is adapted to engage with a contact 65 on movable contact arm 55. A contact 61 on movable contact arm 55 is adapted to engage with a contact 68 on contact arm 59. A rigid member 60 engages with the armature 49 and the movable contact arms 53, 54, 55 in order to impart movement thereto.

The quarter relay I6 includes a coil 69 which is adapted to attract an armature 10 thereto. The armature I0 is normally maintained in the unattracted position by a spring II. The armature I0 is adapted to operate a switch, generally indicated at I2. The switch includes movable contact arms 13, I4, 15 and I6. Also, 8.55061. ated with the switch are relatively fixed contact arms 11, I8, I9, 8| and 82. The movable contact arms are secured to the armature I0 by a member which imparts movement to the contact arms when the armature is moved.

A contact 83 is secured to the contact arm 11 and is adapted to engage with a contact 84 on movable switch arm I3. A contact 85 on switch arm 18 is adapted to engage with a contact 86 on movable switch arm I4. A contact 81 on switch arm I9 is adapted to engage with a contact 88 on movable switch arm I5. A contact 89 on movable switch arm 15 is adapted to engage with a contact 9I on switch arm 8I. A contact 92 on movable switch arm 16 is adapted to engage with a contact 93 on switch arm 82.

The five-cent block relay II includes a coil 94 which is adapted to operate an armature 95 which is hinged at 93. A spring tends to maintain the armature in the unattracted position. The armature has a bracket 91 secured thereto terminating in a blocking finger I00.

The dime and quarter blocking relay I8 includes a coil 98 which is adapted to move an armature 99 which is hinged at IN. A spring similar to the spring 90 is adapted to normally maintain the armature in the unattracted pos1 tion. The armature 99 has a bracket I02 secured thereto and dime and quarter blocking fingers I03 and I04 respectively are secured at the extremities of the bracket I02. The blocking fingers I00, I03 and I04 extend through openings I00a, I03a and IBM in the coin chutes 34, 36 and 39, respectively, as best shown in Figure 10. The return chute 42 communicates with an inclined open top coin runway 42a, and when any one of the blocking finger I00, I03 and I04 are in the blocking position, corresponding coins are deflected into runway 42a and returned through return chute 42.

A switch generally indicated at I05 is also operated by the armature 99 and the dime and quarter block relay I8. The switch I05 includes a movable contact arm I06 and a relatively fixed contact arm I01. The movable contact arm I06 has a contact I08 thereon adapted to engage with a contact I09 on the contact arm I01. The contacts I08 and I09 are closed when the dime and quarter blocking relay I8 is deenergized and are open when it is energized.

The motor I9 which is mounted on the bracket 20 includes a coil III and a metallic stator H2. The motor I9 may be of the well-known shaded 5 pole type: The motor I9 includes a rotor H 3 which is adapted torota-te a shaft I I4 through a gear chain I I 'I when power isapplied to the motor; The-shaft H4 in turn rotates a cam H5 and a cam IIG for actuatingswitches 22 and 23', respectively.

The ca'm- H5 is provided with a notch H8 and with asmooth high surface I- I 9 It isa-lso-formed witha raised portion I ZU. The cam II '5 is adapted to-move'a movable-switch arm I21 and a: movable switch arm I24; which are connected together by a member M0 on switch 22-1 The movablearm I2-I has a V-shaped projection I 22 which is adapted toeither ride on the surfaces M9 and I25! of the cam I'I 5 or to be positioned in the-notch II-3- to operatethe switch arms I21 and IN a manner to be described.

Alsoassoci'at'ed with switch 22 are contact arms I23, I252 I26 A contact I2-I on movable contact arm I2I is adapted to engage with a contact I28 on contact arm" I 23; A contact I29 on contactarm- I26; is adapted to engage with acontact. I.3I on contact arm I23. A. contact I32- on contact arm I22 5; is adapted to engage with a con.- tact I33; on contact arm I2 I-- The cam H6. is providedwith a smooth: lower. surface? Mittv and: with. three raised portions: I and a fourth raised: portion I35a. which is higher than. portions I-35.. lhe portions I35 are adapted to; move movable, switch armv I33 on switch 23. The. portion I'35a is adapted. to move both switch arms. I=3B and I38.. The movable switch arm I38 is: provided withav-shaped projection I3? which either: rides on. the smooth surface I34 of the earn. :6 or is raised bythe.- projections or cam surfaces I35 thereof.

The; switch 23 includes, aswitch arm I38. The movable switch arm. I 36 has a contact HiI thereon adapted-to. engage with-.acontact I42 on switch arm. I38; A contact I413. on. switch arm H3 is adapted to engage with a contact I44 on. switch arm I39.

Referring. now to Figures 1,3; 7 and, 9, the coin magazine 24 normally has a plurality of nickels. therein; shown at I45. A switch I' iil is associated with the coin magazine toinsure that. suflicient coins. are present: therein for giving change for at least one quarter when a. coin of; such denomination is used. The switch Iii}: includes a movable member I43 which projects through an. opening- I5fi in the side of, the coin magazine 24.. The switch I also includes a switch arm- I 4.1 secured to, the member I 46 and aswitch arm M8:

A contact; I 419: is secured to the switch arm I14I and. is. adaptedto engage a contact I5I on switch. arm M8 when. suflicient coins M5. are contained in the magazine 24.

Referring to Figures 1, 3. and 9,, the change pay out mechanism 2| includes a coil I52, a lamihated. metal core I53, and a slidable armature I54.-.. The armature I54 is. connected to a. plate I55 by means. of an. upright stud Ifiii; which plate slides on. the bottom I! of the box It. An ear I55 is; secured to. the-stud I69 and. a spring- I51 issecured to the ear I53 and. to a rigid bracket- I518, which is in turn secured to the box Iti The a contact I76 on contact. arm I14.

ture I59 in the bottomof'the-magazine, so that only the nickel sliced off the bottom of the stack in magazine 211 will bed'elivered in order tomake change.

Referring nowto Figures i, 8 and 9 the niolret coin switch 33 includes a movable contact"- arm ItZ' which is disposed in a positiontobe engaged by a nickelfromnickel coin chute 34. The coin switches 33, 35 and 3-1" are ShOW-II' to be of the type which are operated" to close a switch momentarily upon the passage or a coin. However, the invention is not limited theretobut is also applicable tocoin switches in which coins are released by mechanical means. such as: cams, at a predetermined time; and the coin switch associated therewith is returned to theinitial position at that time.

The nickel switch 33- has a finger Iii-2 which will be struck by a nickel passing through the coir-1- chute 34'; The switch also includes a switcharm I53 A contact Hi l onthe movable switch arm Ilfiiis adapted to engage with a contact i 65? on the switch arm [63. The dime switch includes a movable switch arm l d-6 to which is secured a finger 561- which' isada-pted to bestrucl'c by a dime as itpassesthroughcoih chute 3-6. The" switch 35 also includes a contact arm I88 and? a movable contact arm I66 has a contact I 'I 'I thereon adapted to-engage with a contact I69 on contact arm I58.

The quarter switch-.31; isshoWn-in greater dc. tail in Figure 8 and it is-understood. that. all three. of the coin switches are identical in. construe-- tion. The quarter switch 3.1 includes a. movable contact arm H2 and a. relatively fixed. contact arm IN. A finger ITS is adapted to. be, struckby a quarter when it passes. through the. chute 3:3. The movable. contact arm I12. has a. con. tact I15 thereon. which is adapted. to engagewith. The finger. I13 is pivoted at I'll and. is. provided with. a. hell crank extension I78 having a pusher projection I19 thereon, so that,,asthe-finger. 1.1.3. ismovedto the dotted line. position, shown in. Figure'8, of the. drawings, thev projection I79 engages. the. movable switch arm I12. and closes. contacts I'-'I'5.-,, I154 The. movable arm I121 is. inherentlyresil'ient and as soon asthe coin has passed by the finger I132.v it. swings the. finger to the full line position shown in. Figure 8 and contacts. I15. and. I16. open.

Referring now to Figure. 9- ior. a detailed description. of a portion of the vending. apparatus, the vend. relay215j includesa coil I9]. whichoperatesv an. armature I32; Thearmature. ILBlnormally maintained in. its. unattracted position. by a spring (not shown) and. is. only moved to the; attracted position. each time. a coin. is. inserted in. the. coin. chutes. The armature I92; operates a switch generally indicated, by the-numeral. I'QLUI which includes movable, contact arms I93 and I94 and. fixed contact. arms I95; I96 and. IISI. The movable contact arm I93 has. a contact I93 thereon. which is adapted to engage with a. con-v tact' I399 on contact arm I55. A contact 231 is provided on contact arm" I116 and is. adapted to. engage with a contact 232 on contact arm I331. A contact 2.0.3 on contact arm I'9I4 is adapted to: engage a contact; 204 on: contact arm I97.

The limit switch 3! includes. amovable con:- tact arm 2G5 and two relatively fixed contact arms 2B3, 291. A contactijiis is provided" on con tact arm 28] and. is adapted to engage with '3; contact 211 on contact arm 205'. A contact 212' on contact arm 205 is adapted. to engage with a: contact 2I'3 on contact arm 2.06".

The empty switch 32 includes amovable 7 contact arm H4 and fixed contact arms 2I5 and 2I6. The contact arm 2I5 has a contact 2I'I thereon adapted to engage with a contact 2I8 on contact arm 2I4. A contact 2I9 on contact arm 2 I4 is adapted to engage with a contact 22I on contact arm 2I6.

The anti-jackpotting relay 21, shown in Figures 9 and 14, is a latch type relay and includes a solenoid 222 and an armature 223. The relay 21 operates a switch generally indicated at 220 which includes a movable switch arm 224 and relatively fixed switch arms 225, 226. The switch arm 225 is provided with a contact 221 which is adapted to engage with a contact 228 on movable contact arm 224. A contact 229 is provided on contact arm 224 which is adapted to engage with a contact 23I on contact arm 226.

The switch 220 is normally maintained in the position shown in Figure 9 by a latch generally indicated at 232, as shown in Figure 14. A manually movable arm 233 is pivoted at 234 and is biased in a clockwise direction by a spring 235. When the coil 222 is energized, it attracts armature 223 and latch 232 is unlatched. Contacts 225, 221, therefore, open and contacts 229, 23! close. The contacts remain in such position until the arm 233 is manually raised to re-latch latch 232.

General operation As best disclosed in Figure 9, power is supplied to the circuit through lines LI and L2. Before the mechanism is in condition for operation, power must be supplied to lines LI and L2 and the latch 232 of the anti-jackpotting relay must be in the latched position, so that contacts 221, 228 are closed and contacts 229, 23I are open. It is again noted that throughout the description, the switch arms are of sufficient resiliency to position the switches with the proper contacts opened and closed when not biased to some other position by a mechanism such as a solenoid, a cam, or the like.

With the power on, the contacts 221, 228 closed and sufficient coins I45 in the magazine 24 to close contacts I49, II, the block relays I1 and I8 will be energized to withdraw the blocking fingers I00, I03, I04, sufficiently from the coin chutes 34, 36 and 38, that coins may pass therethrough and strike the fingers I62, I61 and I13 of the nickel, dime and quarter switches 33, 35 and 31. The contacts 2I1, 2I8 of the empty switch must also be closed and this is accomplished by the presence of merchandise in the vending machine.

Furthermore, the contacts 208, 2| I of the limit switch 3I must be closed and this is accomplished by the inherent resiliency of the switch at the end of a vending cycle. A cam 2l0, for example, may be provided to close the limit switch contacts 208, 2 and open contacts 2I2, 2I3 at the end of each vending cycle.

When the system is in the above condition, the following circuits are established to energize the blocking relays I1 and I8; through line LI, conductor 238, through closed contacts 221, 228 of the anti-jackpotting switch, through conductors 252, 253, through closed contacts 2I1, 2I8 of the empty switch, through conductors 254 and 255, closed contacts 208, 2II of the limit switch, through conductor 241, closed contacts I, 202 of the vending relay, through conductors 248, 256 and 251, through coil 94 of blocking relay I1, through conductors 258, 244 to line L2, thus energizing blocking relay I1. It will be noted that at the junction point marked A on Figure 9, LI power exists, as long as the vending relay 25.

limit switch 3|, empty switch 32 and anti-jackpotting relay 21, have their contacts in the position shown in Figure 9. It will, therefore, be unnecessary to again trace through these circuits if the conditions are as above.

In order to energize block relay I8, power from the point A passes through conductor 256, through closed contacts 83 and 84 of the quarter relay I6, through closed contacts I49, I5I of the coin magazine switch I40, through conductor 243, to the coil 98 of relay I8 and through the conductors 242, 244 to line L2, thus energizing the block relay I8. It is to be noted that the block relay I8 when energized opens contacts I08, I08 of switch I05. It is obvious that no power may be supplied through the five cent only lamp 28, as long as block relay I8 is energized and contacts I08, I09 are open. The purpose of the live cent only lamp will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Nickel operation 1 Assumin the contacts to be in the positions shown in Figure 9, and the block relays I1 and I8 energized, if a nickel is placed in the slot 4| 0! the mechanism 39 and it is a propercoin, it will pass through the chute 34 and strike the finger I62 to momentarily close contacts I64, I65. The following circuits are thereupon established to operate the vend motor one cycle and to vend one article of merchandise; first, the vend relay 25 is energized by a circuit from line LI through conductor 238, closed contacts 221, 228 of antijackpotting relay 21, through conductors 252, 253, through closed contacts 2 I 1, 2 I8 of the empty switch, through conductor 254, 246, through closed contacts I64, I65 of the nickel coin switch 33, through conductor 259, through the coil I9l of the vend relay 25, through conductors 26I, 262 and 244 to line L2, thus energizin vend relay 25.

Attention is also directed to the fact that with the switch contacts of the vend relay 25 the empty switch 32 and the anti-jackpotting relay'21 in the positions shown in Figure 9, that LI power will always exist at point B. Power from the line L2 will always exist at point C," regardless of the condition of any of the remainder of the apparatus, as long as there is power supply to the circuit.

Closing of contacts 203, 204 establishes a holding circuit for the vend relay 25 as follows; from line LI through the conductor 238, closed contacts 221, 228 of the anti-jackpotting relay, through conductor 352, closed contacts 2I1, 2I8 of the empty switch, conductors 254, 255, through closed contacts 208, 2 of the limit switch, through the conductor 241, closed contacts 203, 204 of the vend relay, through conductor 263, through the'vend relay coil I9I, conductors 26I, 262 to point C and back to line L2 through conductor 244.

Power is thereupon supplied to the vend motor 26 from line LI through conductor 238, contacts 221, 228 of the anti-jackpotting relay 21, conductor 252, through closed contacts I98, I99 0! the vend relay 25, through conductor 259, through the vend motor 26, through conductor 262 to point C (line L2). The vend motor 26, therefore, will operate and will, for example, eject a package by suitable standard mechanism. The vend motor 26, as it completes its cycle, will rotate cam 2l0 to operate the limit switch 3I after the package is delivered, thus momentarily opening contacts 208, 2 and momentarily closing contacts 2I2, 2I3. The purpose of closing contacts 2l2, 2I3 will be explained hereinafter, but

Dime operation Assuming that the parts are in the" position shown in Figure 9" and the block relays IT and I8 are energized so that the blocking fingers I00, I03, I04 are withdrawn from the coin' chutes; when a dime is inserted in the coin chute 36' the following circuits are established to operate the cam motor !8, the change pay-out solenoid 21' and thevend motor 25-. As pointed out heretofore, line LI power exists at point B. A. circuit is, therefore, established from line LI through conductor 245, closed contacts I69, I1'I' of the dime switch 35, conductor 268, through the dime relay I5, through conductors 284, 265, 244 to line L2. The coil 48 of the dime relay is, therefore, energized. and armature 49. is. drawn to the attracted position. This results in closing contacts BI, 82, closing contacts 63, 54, closing contacts 65,. 66 and opening contacts 61,. 68'. Uponv closure of contacts GI, '62 and 63, E4, the coil 69 of the quarter relay is energized by the following circuit; power from line LI at B is conducted through conductors 245 and 2%, closed contacts I32, I 33,. conductors 212', 26 6 and 261, through closed contacts 63', til, through conductors 26B, 2'1I, through coil 69" of quarter relay I6 and through conductors 265, 244% to line L2. This results in opening contacts 83', 84, closing contacts '85", 86, closing contacts 81, 88, opening contacts 89,91 and closing contacts 22, 93, all associated. with the quarter relay I6. Opening of contacts 83, 8'4 deenergi'zes the dime and quarter blocking relay I8 so that no further dimes or quarters may pass through the coin chutes 36', 38,. untilv the vending operation is completed, and at which time the quarter relay I6 is again deenergized.

The cam. motor I9 is started by the following circuits being established; from, conductor 245 at. B where line. Li, power exists, through conductor 215', closed contacts I28, I29 of cam switch 22,. through. conductor 213,. closed contacts. 8-1,. 88 of the quarter relay, conductor 215, through the windings of am motor I9, and through conductor 216a to point "(2 where L2 power exists.

Thecam motor is, therefore, started. and, as best shown in Figures 11 to. 13', as soon as the projection I22 is moved out of the notch I l'ii', contacts I21 and. I28. are closed. Contacts I29, I31. and I 32,. I33 of the cam switch 22 remain closed. in this part of the cycle and do not open until the high point. I20 of the cam contactsthe projection I22v near the. end of the cycle. When. this occurs, contacts I28, I3I and I32, I33 open for a short period of time, but contacts I21, 525" remain. closed until the projection I22 again drops into the notch I I8,

The holding circuits for. the. dime and quarter relays I and I3, after the coinv switch contacts I89, I1I have opened, are as follows; the holding circuit for the dime relay is from point B where line LI power exists, through conductors 245, 216, through closed contacts I32, I33 of cam switch 22,. through conductors 2.12, 286, through 10 closed contacts BI, I521 of the dime relay, through conductors 269, through; coil 48 of the: dime relay and through conductors 2G4, 265, 244, to line L2.

The holding circuit for. the quarter relay is as follows; from. point B where line LI powerexists, through conductors 245, 2:18,v closed contacts I32, I38 of the cam switch: 22,. through conductors 212, 284i and 285, through. closed contacts 85, 8-8 of they quarter relay, through conductor 21I, through the coil 69 of the quarterv relay and through. conductors 265,244- to 1i'ne L2..

As soon. as the coin opens. contactsv I69, I1I, power from line: LI is then supplied by the following circuit to continue operation of the cam motor. Line LI power from point B. is conducted through conductors 245, 216, through closed contacts I29, iSI of cam switch 22, through conductor 213, closed contacts 81 88 of the quarter relay, through conductor 2.15 of the cam. motor I9, through the windings of the camv motor I9 to the conductor 216, which is connected at point C to L2 power. The motor, therefore, continues to runand, when the con-- tacts I29, I3I and I32, I33 of cam switch 22 open near the end of the cycle, as shown inFigure 13-, the dime and. quarter relays I5. and It are deenergized and contacts 81, 88 of the quarter relay I5, therefore, open.

Power is then supplied to the motor to completethe cycle of the. following circuit; from line LI power at B, through conductor 216,. closed contacts I21, I28 of camswitch 22, through conductor 211, closed contacts 89,. 9i of the quarter relay I6, through conductor 215,v through cam motor windings to conductor: 216 which is connected with line L2 power at point C. As soon as the contacts I21, I28 of the cam switch. 22 open, the motor is stopped, since the quarter relay It has already been. deenergized and no circuit is established. to continue operation of the motor with contacts 81, 88, I21, I28 open.

One coin in change is paid out by the pay-out solenoid 2I which is energized one time by the following circuit; from point B through conductors 285,. 218, through closed contacts I29, I3I of the cam. switch 22, through conductor 213', through closed contacts 65, 26- of the dime relay, through conductor 219, through the coil of the pay-out solenoid 2I, through conductors 218-, 212a to point C where line L2 power exists.

It is obvious, therefore, that, as soon as the dime relay I5 is energized the pay-out solenoid 2I is energized and continues to be energized until contacts I32, I33 of cam switch 22 are opened at the end of the cycle of the cam motor i8. Although cam H6 is also being rotated. and is consequently closing and opening contacts I iI', I42, no power is supplied to the pay-out solenoid 21 because contacts 61, 68 of the dime switch are open.

In order to energize the vend relay 25, when a dime is used to thus operate the vend motor 23 through one vending cycle, the following circuits are established and the cam Hit, driven by the cam motor I9, is affected to cause such energization. Power from point B is conducted through conductor 245, through closed contacts I69, I1I of the, dime switch when closed by a coin, through conductors 268, 269, closed contacts 6|, 62 of the dime relay I5, through conductors 268 and 284, closed contacts 92, 93 of the quarter relay Iii, through conductor 286, through closed contacts. I iI, I42 and. I43, I44 when closed by rotation of the cam II6, through conductor 296, contacts 46, 41 of the drain switch I4, through conductors 293, 259 to one side of the vend relay coil I9I and through the vend relay coil I9I to conductors 26I and 262 which connect with L2 power at point C. The vend relay 25 is, therefore, energized and the holding circuit of the circuit for operating the vend motor 26 is thereafter the same as described with respect to the nickel operation. Only one closing of the contacts of switch 23 is required, although actually they close four times on each cycle.

When the limit switch contacts 208, 2II are opened by the cam 2I8 at the end of a vending cycle, the vend relay 25 and vend motor 26 are deenergized as described above.

Quarter operation When a quarter is inserted in the coin chute 38, contacts I15, I16 of the quarter switch 31 are momentarily closed. The quarter relay is, therefore, energized through the following circuit: from point B through conductor 245, closed coin switch contacts I15, I16, through conductor 282, through coil 69 of the quarter relay I6 and O thence through conductors 265, 244 to line L2. In the quarter operation, only the quarter relay is energized and the dime relay is not energized. However, the circuit to the dime and quarter blocking relay I8 is broken because contacts 83, 84 of the quarter relay open until the quarter relay is deenergized near the end of the vending cycle. Therefore, it is impossible to have additional dimes or quarters operate the coin switches 35 and 31 until the vending cycle is substantially completed. This is because the blocking fingers I03 and I04 are blocking the chutes 36, 38.

The cam motor I9 is started by the following circuit being established from point B; through conductor 245, closed contacts I15, I16 of the coin switch 31, through conductors 282, 21I, closed contacts 85, 86 of the quarter relay I6, conductors 285, 284 and 212, through closed contacts I32, I33 and I29, I3I of cam switch 22, through conductor 213, through closed contacts 81, 88 of the quarter relay I6, through conductor 215, to the cam motor and through conductor 216a, 244 to line L2. As soon as the cam motor starts, the contacts I21, I28 of the cam switch 22 are closed. The holding circuit for the quarter relay I6 is the same as described hereinbefore with respect to dime operation.

When the projection I22 on cam H is raised by the high point I near the end of the cycle, contacts I29, I3I and I32, I83 of cam switch 22 open, thus breaking the circuit to the quarter relay coil 69. Contacts 89 and 9| of the quarter relay I6 thereupon close and, since contacts I21, I28 of the cam switch 22 are closed at this time, the cam motor continues to operate until the projection I22 again drops into the notch I I8.

Four nickels are given in change by operating the pay-out solenoid four times. This is accomplished by the following circuits, it being understood that the cam H6 is rotated one full revolution, so that the projections I and I35a thereon close contacts I4I, I42 four times during one cycle. The circuit is from point B through conductors 245, 216, through closed contacts I32, I33 of cam switch 22, through conductors 212 and 284, through closed contacts 92, 93 of the quarter relay I6, through conductor 286, through contacts I4I, I42 of the pay-out switch 23 when they are closed, through conductor 281, closed 12 contacts 61, 68 of the dime relay I5, through conductor 218, to the pay-out solenoid 2I and from the pay-out solenoid 2I through conductors 218, 216a and 244 to line L2.

The vend relay 25 and vend motor 26 are energized when a quarter is utilized, the following circuits being established; again, operation of the cam motor I9 and rotation of the cam II6 establish the necessary circuits. Closing of contacts I15, I16 completes a circuit through solehold 69 by way of line 282, solenoid 69, lines 265, 244 to power line L2. When solenoid 69 is energized, a circuit is comleted from point B, lines 245, 216, contacts I32, I33, wire 284, contacts 92, 93, wire 286, contacts I4I, I43, I44, contacts 44, 46, wires 293, 259, vend relay 25, conductors 26I, 262 to point C. Thereafter, the holding circuit and circuits for operating the vend motor 26 are the same as described with respect to the nickel operation.

When the vend motor 28 has completed a vending cycle, cam 2H) operates limit switch 3| to deenergize the vend relay 25 and vend motor 26.

Drain switch circuit A drain switch I4 may be provided so that it it is desired to empty the coin magazine 24 for any reason, or to provide a quick method of counting coins, the drain switch may be moved to the drain position shown in dotted lines in Figure 9 of the drawings. In the drain position, the cam motor operates continuously and the pay-out solenoid 2I is energized four times upon each revolution of the cam H6.

The drain operation is accomplished by the following circuits being established; first, the cam motor circuit is from point B through conductors 245 and 216, through closed contacts I32, I33 of the cam switch 22, through conductors 4 212, 295, through one set of the contacts 46, 41

of the drain switch, through conductor 294 to the cam motor and from the cam motor, through conductors 216a, 244 to line L2. Asthe motor continues to rotate, the contacts I32, I33 and I29, I3I will be open near the end of each cycle.

However, the motor continues to operate because at that time contacts I21 and I28 of the cam switch 22 are closed and since the quarter relay I6 is not energized, contacts 89, SI of the quarter relay are closed. A circuit, therefore, is established, which circuit is the same as described hereinbefore for continuing operation of the cam motor until the projection I22 drops into the notch II8. However, when the drain switch is being used, opening of contacts I21, I28 of the cam switch 22 does not stop operation of the motor because contacts I32, I33 are closed simultaneously with the opening of contacts I21, I23 and the circuit of the cam motor I9 is established.

The circuit for energizing the pay-out solenoid 2I four times upon each rotation of cam H6 is as follows; from point B through conductors 245, 216, through contacts I32, I33 of cam switch 22, conductors 295, 299, through one set of closed contacts 46, 41, through conductor 296, through contacts I43, I44 of pay-out switch 23, when closed, through conductor 281, through contacts 61, 68 of the dime relay I5, through conductor 219 to the pay-out solenoid 2| and back to line- L2, through conductors 218, 216a and 244. It is apparent, therefore, that the cam motor I9 will operate continuously and four coins will be ejected on each revolution of the cam I I6.

Nickel anti-jackpotting circuit 1! a. nickel sticks on the coin switch 33,0ri1- 13 the contacts I 64, I65 orv the nickel switch remain closed for any reason, by the time avend- 111g" cycle is completed, the entire system is rendered: inoperative by energization of. the anti- Jackpotting relay 21 which operates the latch 232 so that manual resetting, is necessary. Obviously, energizationof the anti-jackpotting relay 21 opens contacts 221,v 228 so that the power sup.- ply' from line LI: to substantially the entire system isimmediately broken.

' The circuit forenergizing' the anti-jackpotting relay 21 is. as. follows; through line LI, contacts 221,. 228 of the anti-jackpotting'relay 21, through. conductors 252, 253, through contacts. 2I1, 2H3 oithe empty switch 32,. through conductors 254, 246', through. contacts I62, I85 of the. nickel switch 33,. through conductors 259,v 263, through closed contacts 203, 204 of the vend relay 25 which are: closed at. this time because the vend relay is energized by the closure of the nickel switch 33, through conductor 289, through, contacts 2 I2, 213 of the limit switch which are closed by cam 2 II] at the end of the cycle, through conductor 29I, through the coil 222 of the anti-jackpotting relay 21 and through conductors 292, 262, back to line L2 through conductor 244. The anti-jackpotting relay 21 is, therefore, energized and the power supply to the system is broken.

Upon energization of the anti-jackpotting relay 21, contacts 229, 23I thereof are closed. This lights the empty light 29, power being Supplied tfrom line LI through closed contacts 229, 23I, throughthe lamp 29 and through conductors 292, 262 and 244 back tolineLZ.

It is noted that whenv the power to the system is out 01f. by energization of the anti-jackpotting relay '21 that blocking relays I1 and I8 are both. deenergized and block pins I00, I03 and I04 enter the coin. chutes 34,, 36, 38, respectively. Any coins that are inserted thereafter are returned through the return chute 42 until the apparatus is again placed in operative condition by opening nickel. coin switch contacts I64, I65,

Dime anti-7'ztcl rp0ttingr circuit If for any reason contacts I69, HI and the. dime switch 35 remain closed or if certain of the contacts of the dime and quarter relays remain closed when they should have opened, particularly if contacts 81, 88 and 89, 9| of the quarter relay are in an improper position, then the cam motor I9 will not complete a cycle and stopsupon. opening of contacts I32, I33 and I29,, I3I of the cam. switch 22. It is noted that as hereinbefore set forth, both the dime relay I5 and the quarter relay I6 are energized in the dime operation.

If the contacts 81, 88. are closed and. contacts 89, 9I are open when the cam I5 opens contacts I29, I.3I and I32, I33 of. cam switch 22, no power may be supplied to the motor, even. though. contacts I21, I28 of the cam switch 22 are closed- Contacts 81, 88 are closed, but the fact that the other cam switch contacts are, openv does not permit power to be supplied. to the cam. motor I9. Furthermore, the circuit. at that time is also broken to the pay-out solenoid 2 I, so that no further coins may be paid out.

In addition, the dime. and quarter blocking relay I8 is deenergized because the quarter relay I6 is still energized and contacts 83, 84 are open. Therefore,.,it is impossible to operate dime or quarter coin switches 35 and 31:, because the fingers I03, I04 blockany further coins insertedand return them through the coin. chute 42. addition, contacts I08, I09 of block relay I8 are. closed and the five-centv only lamp 28 will be illuminated. The circuit for accomplishing this is from the point of line LI power at A, through conductor 249, through the lamp 28, through conductor 38I, through closed. contacts I08, I 09 of: block relay I8 and through conductor 244v to line L2.

It. will also be noted that if sufficient coins are not present in the magazine 24 to clos contacts I49, I5I of the cam switch, block relay I8 is likewise deenergized, dimes and quarters are returned and the five-cent only lamp 25 will be illuminated because contacts I08, I09 are closed.

It is, therefore, impossible to obtain any fur ther goods or services by dimes or quarters; It is also impossible to obtain any pay-out of change. However, the nickel chute is still clear, because the nickel blocking relay I1 is still energized; the vend relay 25 may be energized by a nickel to operate the vend motor 28.

When the contacts I69, I'll of the dime switch are opened by the clearing of a coin, for example, or the dim and quarter relay contacts return to their unenergized position, the cycle of the cam motor is completed because contacts 89, 9I of the quarter relay close and contacts I21, I28 of the cam switch 22 are already closed. The motor, therefore, operates for a. very short period of time and, when the projection I22 drops into the notch H8 of the cam II5, contacts I21, I28 of cam switch 22 open and thecam motor is deenergized. The system is then in condition for another vending cycle because dime and quarter blockrelay I8 is again energizedv by closure of contacts 83, 84 to remove fingers I03,. I04 from the dime and quarter chutes and the pay-out solenoid 2I may be energized. Also, the contacts I08, I09 of block relay I8 open and the five-cent only lamp 28 is extinguished.

Quarter anti-jackpotting operation If the contacts I15, I16 of the quarter switch- 31' remain closed for any reason at the time a vending cycle is about to be completed or if the contacts of the quarter relay I6 remain in the energized position for any reason, th cam motor I8 does not complete-a cycle and no further dimes or quarters may be used to initiate a vending operation. No change is paid out and the fivecent only lamp-is illuminated.

When the cam II 5 reaches the position where the high point thereof opens contacts I29, HI and I32, I33 of cam switch 22, the cam motor ceases to have energysupplied thereto because contact 89, 9I of the quarter relay are open. The result is the same as that described with respect tothe dime anti-jackpotting operation, since the block relay I8 is deenergized and'anyfurther dimes and quarters must be manually returned". The power supply to the pay-out solenoid. 2! is cut of? and the five-cent only lamp 28 lights. Again, nickels may still be used to operate the vend relay 25 and the vend motor 28.

Also, as soon as the contacts of the quarter switch 31 are open or the contacts of the quarter relay I6 return. to their deenergized position, power is supplied. to the; motor because contacts 89, SI of the quarter relay are closed and contacts I21, I28 of thecain switch 22 are also closed. The motor I9, therefore, completes its cycle and stops when the projection I22 drops. into notch H8 and opens contacts I21, I28 ofv the. camswitch 22., I

Frornthe above description, it. will be apparent that the goods or services to be vended are delivered upon the insertion of a coin, even though the coin sticks and in the event a dime or a quarter sticks, the goods or services are delivered and the proper change returned for that particular vending operation. Obviously, if a nickel sticks, the entire machine shuts down, but not until the vend relay has been energized and the vend motor 26 has completed a cycle and open limit switch contacts 268, 2| l. Likewise, if a dime or quarter sticks, the cam motor I9 rotates the cams H5, H6 a suflicient distance to insure proper change being returned and, of course, the vend relay 25 is energized as soon as the coin switch contacts close. Thereafter, no dimes r quarters may be utilized but nickels may be used to obtain the goods or services.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that I have provided a control for a vending machine and change maker which is completely foolproof, prevents jackpotting of goods or change, but insures the delivery of goods and/or change for any coin which is inserted and not returned.

some changes may be made in the construction and arrangement of the parts of my device without departing from the real spirit and purpose of my invention, and it is my intention to cover by my claims any modified forms of structure or use of mechanical equivalents which may be reasonably included within their scope without sacrificing any of the advantages thereof.

I claim as my invention:

1. A change maker for vending apparatus, comprising a plurality of coin switch means, a plurality of coin operated members, one for each of said switch means, one of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of single unit denomination,

a second of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a multiple unit denomination, a third of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin or a greater multiple denomination than said second coin operated member and switch means, said coin operated switch means having an initial position and a position they are moved to responsive to coins operating said respective coin operated members, first and second electromagnetic relays, first and second switch means operated by respective relays, said relay switch means both having initial positions and positions to which they are moved in response to energization of said relays, an electric motor adapted to rotate continuously when energized, a circuit for energizing said electric motor upon movement of either both of said relays or said second relay only from said initial position, switch means operated by rotation of said electric motor, a source of power, means for establishing a circuit for energizing both of said relays upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to a coin of the lesser multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, means for establishing a circuit for energizing said second relay only upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to the greater multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, change pay out means, means for establishing a circuit for energizing said change pay out means upon operation of one of said relay switches and said motor operated switch means, and means for energizing said change pay out means a different predetermined number of times when both of said relays are energized than when only said second relay is energized.

2. A change maker for vending apparatus, comprising a plurality of coin switch means, a plurality of coin operated members, one for each of said switch means, one of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin or single unit denomination, a second of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a multiple unit denomination, a thirdof said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a greater multiple denomination than said second coin operated member and switch means, said coin operated switch means having an initial position and a position they are moved to responsive to coins operating said respective coin operated members, first and second electromagnetic relays, first and second switch means operated by respective relays, said relay switch means both having initial positions and positions to which they are moved in response to energization of said relays, an electric motor adapted to rotate continuously when energized, a circuit for energizing said electric motor upon movement of either both of said relays or said second relay only fromsaid initial positions, first and second switch means operated by rotation of said electric motor, a source of power, means for establishing a circuit for energizing both of said relays upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to a coin of the lesser multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, means for establishing a circuit for energizing said second relay only upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to the greater multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, change pay out means, means for establishing a circuit including said second motor operated switch means and at least one of said relay operated switches for energizing said change pay out means upon operation of said motor operated switch means, means for energizing said change pay out means a different predetermined number of times when both of said relays are energized than when only said second relay is energized, said first motor operated switch means being effective to establish a circuit to maintain both of said relays energized when a coin of the lesser multiple unit denomination is utilized until the motor substantiallly completes its cycle and means for establishing a circuit for maintaining said second relay energized when a coin of the greater multiple unit denomination is utilized until the motor substantially completes its cycle.

3. A change maker for vending apparatus, comprising a plurality of coin switch means, a plurality of coin operated members, one for each of said switch means, one of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of single unit denomination, a second of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a multiple unit denomination, a third of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a greater multiple denomination than said second coin operated member and switch means, said coin operated switch means having an initial position and a position they are moved to responsive to coins operating said respective coin operated members, first and second electromagnetic relays, first and second switch means operated by respective relays, said relay switch means both having initial positions and positions to which they are moved in response to energization of said relays, an electric motor adapted to rotate continuously when energized, a circuit for energizing said electric motor, upon movement of either both of said relays or said second relay only from said initial position, first and second switch means operated by rotation of said electric motor, a source of power, means for establishing a circuit for energizing both of said relays upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to a coin of the lesser multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, means for establishing a circuit for energizing said second relay only upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to the greater multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, change pay out means, means for establishing a circuit including said second motor operated switch means and at least one of said relay operated switches for energizing said change pay out means upon operation of said motor operated switch means, means for energizing said change pay out means a difierent predetermined number of times when both of said relays are energized than when only said second relay is energized, said first motor operated switch means being effective to establish a circuit to maintain both of said relays energized when a coin of the lesser multiple unit denomination is utilized until the motor substantially completes its cycle, means for establishing a circuit for maintaining said second relay energized when a coin of the greater multiple unit denomination is utilized until the motor substantially completes its cycle, and means for stopping the motor before it completes its cycle if either of said multiple unit denomination coin switches do not return to their initial position by the time the motor substantially completes its cycle or if said relay switches do not return to their initial position by the time the motor substantially completes its cycle.

4. A change maker for vending apparatus, comprising a plurality of coin switch means, a plurality of coin operated members, one for each of said switch means, one of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of single unit denomination, a second of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a multiple unit denomination, a third of said coin operated members and corresponding switch means being responsive to a coin of a greater multiple denomination than said second coin operated member and switch means, a plurality of separate coin chutes for coins of each denomination having coin receiving openings positioned above the coin operated members, said coin operated switch means having an initial position and a position they are moved to responsive to coins operating said respective coin operated members, first and second electromagnetic relays, first and second switch means operated by respective relays, said relay switch means both having initial positions and positions to which they are moved in response to energization of said relays, an electric motor adapted to rotate continuously when energized, a circuit for energizing said electric motor upon movement of either both of said relays or said second relay only from said initial position, switch means operated by rotation of said electric motor, a source of power, means for establishing a circuit for energizing both of said relays upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to a coin of the lesser multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, means for establishing a circuit for energizing said second relay only upon said movement of said coin switch means corresponding to the greater multiple unit denomination to operate its associated relay switch means, a blocking relay normally energized from said source of power, a blocking member operated by said blocking relay and being capable of blocking coins passing through the coin chutes for coins of higher denomination, switch means controlled by said second electromagnetic relay and connected in circuit with said blocking re lay, said blocking relay switch means being opened each time said second electromagnetic relay is energized, a vending relay adapted to actuate an article dispensing means, circuit connections controlled respectively by said switch for said single denomination coin operated memher and by both of said electromagnetic relays for multiple denomination coins for independently and selectively energizing said vending relay, whereby coins of unit denomination may energize said vending relay when coins of multiple denomination are blocked by deenergization of said blocking relay, change pay out means, means for establishing a circuit for energizing said change pay out means upon operation of one of said relay switches and said motor operated switch means, and means for energizing said change pay out means a different predetermined number of times when both of said relays are energized than when only said second relay is energized.

MARVIN G. NELSEN.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,075,989 Jonneret Apr. 6, 1937 2,144,568 Fialkowski Jan. 17, 1939 2,271,397 McDermott Jan. 27, 1942 2,323,255 Sutherland June 29, 1943 2,354,896 Weiler Aug. 1, 1944 2,474,843 Helsing July 5, 1949 2,491,900 Mihalek Dec. 20, 1949 2,555,486 Harris June 5, 1951 2,619,213 Harris Nov. 25, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 511,285 Great Britain Aug. 10, 1939 

